Gov Otti, Restoring Hope And Dignity ln Abia
In light of the widespread economic hardship across Nigeria, it is noteworthy that the residents of Abia State are unlikely to join national protests against the ongoing hunger crisis. This reluctance is not due to a lack of shared experience with the nation’s struggles, but rather a testament to the cautious optimism that has emerged under the current state leadership.
The economic strain affecting Nigerians is a pervasive issue that impacts all classes and communities. However, Abia State has chosen a path of patience and hope rather than participating in potentially disruptive protests. This decision is influenced by recent improvements in the state under Governor Alex Otti’s administration, which has fostered a sense of trust and renewed hope among its citizens.
Before Governor Otti’s tenure began on May 29, 2023, Abia was widely criticized as one of Nigeria’s worst-governed states. Yet, within just over a year, the Governor has made significant strides. He has prioritized restoring the dignity of Abians, addressing critical areas such as health, education, and infrastructure. Promises made at the outset, including timely salary payments and settling of outstanding debts, have largely been fulfilled. The state government has settled over N50 billion in salary arrears and agreed to a N45,000 wage award for each worker, to be disbursed over three months. Additionally, over N10 billion has been paid to clear pension arrears, benefiting about 12,000 pensioners.
Governor Otti’s administration has also focused on improving public services and infrastructure. Efforts include upgrading roads, managing waste, enhancing healthcare facilities, and supporting small-scale businesses through interest-free loans. Security in the state has improved, with reduced incidents of violent crime thanks to coordinated efforts by various security agencies.
Furthermore, the state government has implemented palliative measures such as free medical care, distribution of foodstuffs, and interest-free loans to vulnerable groups. Recently, a sum of one billion Naira was distributed to 10,000 small-scale business owners, with each recipient receiving N100,000 to support their enterprises.
Given these efforts, Abians appear inclined to support their current government’s initiatives rather than engaging in national protests, which could potentially result in more harm and disruption. The experience of past protests has shown that they can sometimes be co-opted by criminal elements, leading to increased suffering for ordinary citizens. Thus, for Abia, where positive changes are underway, the focus remains on maintaining stability and continuing the path toward improvement.
Source . Sun.
